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Long Live Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Coupé and Spyder
By Ben McKimm - News Published: , Last Updated:
In a world where the acoustics and visceral effect of the internal combustion engine seem seldom appreciated, Audi is doing petrol heads a solid. And while not everyone can stretch the piggy bank and buy one of these $172,000 USD supercars, the idea that there are even a few of these screaming naturally aspirated V10’s roaming the streets is enough to have us say thanks.
Where the EV excels is also where it falls short for many petrol heads. There is simply no replacement for the excitement and “purity” (triggered) that comes by way of a rear-wheel-drive naturally aspirated V10. While Audi might have added an additional 30 HP and 10 Nm of torque into the 5.2-litre V10 FSI engine, we couldn’t care less if they hadn’t – we’re just happy that it’s still around.
Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Coupé and Spyder
Engine: 5.2-litre V10 FSI
Power: 570 HP
Torque: 550 Nm
Weight: 1,590kg
Top Speed: 204mph
Price: from $172,000 USD
Image: Audi UK
The most exciting model in the R8 V10 lineup is also probably the ‘least’ sophisticated – if you can even call it that – and designed specifically for petrol heads. Only the best and most engaging supercars feature a naturally aspirated soundtrack and a rear-wheel-drive configuration and the Audi R8 V10 Performance RWD Coupé and Spyder have both.
“The Audi R8 V10 RWD really struck a chord with customers right from the start with its rear-wheel-drive derived from the R8 LMS racecar and its unfiltered dynamics,” said Sebastian Grams, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.
Since it debuted in 2006, the Audi R8 has been the only ‘everyday supercar’ that even comes close to challenging the Porsche 911. With a leg up on the Porsche in the looks and sound departments, thanks to what is essentially a Lamborghini Huracan drivetrain, the Audi R8 is a hot item amongst the sea of induction and electric vehicles on the market. Built for a different kind of crowd that appreciates mechanical tolerances and moving parts, the R8 V10 has copped a few tweaks for its 2022 rendition.
Starting at the rear, the mechanical limited-slip differential has been tweaked to manage the vehicle through corners and under hard acceleration. Sport Mode now works hand in hand with the stability control system to offer drifts that even your mother could manage, and while details around the particular emissions control systems can change depending on market we expect the sound to still resemble something of an R8 LMS racecar.
Image: Audi UK
Unfortunately for Australians, we won’t be able to get our hands on the new models. The car was pulled from the lineup towards the end of last month due to specific emissions requirements and low sales volume. By 2025, Audi will offer more than 20 models with all-electric drive in the most important markets worldwide and achieve roughly 40 per cent of its sales with electrified variants. This will more than likely spell the death for cars like these, and if the current car market shows any sign of what’s to come for the future, this might be your last chance at snatching up one of these V10 screamers.
The starting price for the coupé is €149,000 EUR ($172,000 USD) in Germany, and for an extra $15,000 USD you can cop the spyder that starts at €162,000 EUR ($187,000 USD). To take a closer and for more details contact your nearest Audi dealership.
Image: Audi UK
Image: Audi UK
Image: Audi UK
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